AWC Monthly Updates October 2026

Monthly Update : October 2026

A. Wahab & Co. Chartered Accountants

Bangladesh Bank issued 25 circulars in October 2026. The main changes make foreign exchange easier for businesses and travellers. Other changes cover export loans, business bank accounts, insurance company compliance and loan restructuring. The policy rate did not change.

Foreign Exchange

Shops and hotels can keep 15% of foreign card earnings in dollars

FEPD-2 Circular No. 08 | 25 October 2026

Key changes

•      Businesses can keep up to 15% of payments from foreign cards in a foreign currency account.

•      The other 85% must be changed into Taka.

•      The dollars can be used for normal business payments abroad, such as subscriptions and online services.

Impacted Stakeholders: Hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping malls, retail shops and their banks.

Companies can hold foreign loan money in dollars

FEPD-2 Circular No. 06 | 07 October 2026

Key changes

•      Industrial companies with an approved foreign loan can keep the loan money in a foreign currency account.

•      The money can pay for imports, project services and local purchases.

•      If the loan agreement requires it, the account can be kept until the loan is repaid.

Impacted Stakeholders: Industrial companies with approved foreign loans and their banks.

Better Taka accounts for Bangladeshis living abroad

FEPD-1 Circular No. 41 | 08 October 2026

Key changes

•      Non-resident Bangladeshis can convert foreign currency into a Taka account (NRCTA).

•      The money can be used for local expenses and investment, and can be sent back abroad freely.

•      Account holders can now borrow in Taka against their balance.

Impacted Stakeholders: Non-resident Bangladeshis, their families and banks.

Travelers can buy more US dollar cash

FEPD-2 Circular Letter No. 02 | 08 October 2026

Key changes

•      Money changers can now sell up to USD 3,000 in cash at one time, up from USD 2,000.

•      This is within the yearly travel allowance.

Impacted Stakeholders: People travelling abroad and money changers.

One set of rules for foreign exchange and gold licenses

FEPD-2 Circular No. 07 | 17 October 2026

Key changes

•      All rules for licenses of banks, money changers and gold dealers are now in one circular.

•      It covers licensing, transactions, anti-money laundering duties and reporting.

Impacted Stakeholders: Banks, money changers, gold dealers and gold refiners.

No advance approval needed to import boilers

FEPD-1 Circular Letter No. 19 | 18 October 2026

Key changes

•      Companies no longer need prior approval from the Chief Inspector of Boilers before importing boilers.

•      Safety rules for installing and running boilers still apply.

Impacted Stakeholders: Manufacturers importing boilers and their banks.

Loans and Banking

Bigger export loan fund, but at a higher rate

BRPD-1 Circular Letter No. 34 | 01 October 2026

Key changes

•      The pre-shipment export loan fund grows from Tk 5,000 crore to Tk 7,000 crore.

•      The maximum rate for exporters rises from 5% to 6%.

Impacted Stakeholders: Exporters and their banks.

Business bank accounts now need a BIN

BRPD-1 Circular Letter No. 35 | 11 October 2026

Key changes

•      Businesses need a Business Identification Number (BIN) or turnover tax certificate to open or run a current or STD account.

•      The same applies when taking a bank loan.

Impacted Stakeholders: All businesses and banks.

More time to restructure finance company loans

FCRPD Circular Letter No. 19 | 26 October 2026

Key changes

•      Borrowers in difficulty can apply to finance companies for loan restructuring until 31 December 2026.

•      The earlier deadline was 30 September 2026.

Impacted Stakeholders: Finance companies and their borrowers.

Insurance Compliance

New anti-money laundering rules for insurance companies

BFIU Circular No. 34 | 19 October 2026

Key changes

•      Each insurer needs a Board-approved anti-money laundering policy, sent to BFIU every February.

•      Cash payments of Tk 10 lakh or more in one day must be reported to BFIU every month.

•      Insurers must check customer identity and source of funds, and cannot issue policies under false names.

Impacted Stakeholders: Life and non-life insurers, insurance agents and policyholders.

Special Approvals for Named Banks and Companies

Exemptions given to five named banks and companies

BRPD-2 Circular Letters No. 13 to 17 | 08 to 26 October 2026

Key changes

•      UCB: one investor or family can now hold more than 10% of the bank’s shares.

•      BRAC Bank: one shareholder company can appoint up to three directors.

•      Three Beximco companies: banks can renew guarantees and give working capital under strict conditions.

Impacted Stakeholders: The named banks and companies, their shareholders and lenders.